Last visit was: 07 Jun 2026, 06:20 It is currently 07 Jun 2026, 06:20
Home
Messages
MBA Fair
Tests
Schools
Events
Close
GMAT Club Daily Prep
Thank you for using the timer - this advanced tool can estimate your performance and suggest more practice questions. We have subscribed you to Daily Prep Questions via email.

Customized
for You

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History

Track
Your Progress

every week, we’ll send you an estimated GMAT score based on your performance

Practice
Pays

we will pick new questions that match your level based on your Timer History
Not interested in getting valuable practice questions and articles delivered to your email? No problem, unsubscribe here.
Go to My Error Log Learn more
Close
Request Expert Reply
Confirm Cancel
Back to Forum
Create Topic
   1   2   3 
555-605 (Medium)|   Math Related|         
User avatar
Invincible_147
User avatar
Joined: 29 Sep 2023
Last visit: 07 Jun 2026
Posts: 71
Own Kudos:
65
 [1]
Given Kudos: 166
GMAT Focus 1: 575 Q77 V81 DI78
GMAT Focus 1: 575 Q77 V81 DI78
Posts: 71
Kudos: 65
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 03:03
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Hi All,

3% decrease from the budget from 2023 = 897250000

42% of 897250000= 376845000

85% of 376845000 = 3,20,318.25 , approximating to 320,000,000

and 15% of 376845000 = 56526750 , approximating to 57000000
User avatar
MinhChau789
User avatar
Joined: 18 Aug 2023
Last visit: 12 Apr 2026
Posts: 131
Own Kudos:
140
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 131
Kudos: 140
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 03:53
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
From the provided info, we have the following table:


project costsproject materials %project materials exprawrecycling and waste managementraw exprecycling and waste management exp
2023925,000,00038% 351,500,000 85%15% 298,775,000 52,725,000
2024 897,250,000 42% 376,845,000 85%15% 320,318,250 56,526,750

So Raw Materials Cost for 2024 = 320M
Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 = 57M
User avatar
Elite097
User avatar
Joined: 20 Apr 2022
Last visit: 08 May 2026
Posts: 734
Own Kudos:
571
 [1]
Given Kudos: 337
Location: India
Schools: Sloan '25 Columbia '27 Haas '27
GPA: 3.64
Schools: Sloan '25 Columbia '27 Haas '27
Posts: 734
Kudos: 571
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 04:06
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Since 85/15=5.67
Thus we need to see which combination of choices gives the ratio . Upon scanning we see that 320 mn/57 mn= 5.67

Hence ans= 320 mn, 57 mn
User avatar
LastHero
User avatar
Joined: 15 Dec 2024
Last visit: 12 Dec 2025
Posts: 133
Own Kudos:
147
 [1]
Given Kudos: 1
Posts: 133
Kudos: 147
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 04:24
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Project costs are 925,000,000.
If they decrease by 3%: 925,000,000 - 27,750,000 = 897,250,000
42% of 897,250,000 are 376,845,000

85% of 376,845,000 are 320,318,250, rounded to 320,000,000
15% of 376,845,000 are 56,526,750, rounded to 57,000,000

Answers Raw Materials Cost for 2024 320,000,000, Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 57,000,000
User avatar
jkkamau
User avatar
Joined: 25 May 2020
Last visit: 07 Jun 2026
Posts: 225
Own Kudos:
190
 [1]
Given Kudos: 143
Location: Kenya
Schools: Jones '26 (A$$)
GMAT 1: 730 Q50 V46
GPA: 3.5
Schools: Jones '26 (A$$)
GMAT 1: 730 Q50 V46
Posts: 225
Kudos: 190
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 04:56
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
2023 Annual project costs = 925,000,000
2024 annual project costs= 0.97x925,000,000= 897,250,000
Project material costs = 0.42x897,250,000= 376,845,250

Raw material costs 2024= 0.85x376,845,250= 320K
Recycling waste management cost = 0.15x376,845,250= 57K
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 



At Skyline Construction, project materials represented 38% of its annual project costs of $925,000,000 in 2023. Due to new environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable building, project materials will account for 42% of total project costs in 2024, while total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%. Within project materials expenses, raw materials consistently make up 85% of costs, while recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15%.

In the table, select for Raw Materials Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to raw materials, and select for Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to recycling and waste management. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Show more
User avatar
pintukr
User avatar
Joined: 03 Jul 2022
Last visit: 06 Jun 2026
Posts: 1,779
Own Kudos:
1,163
 [1]
Given Kudos: 24
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Products:
My Reviews
GMAT 1: 680 Q49 V34
Posts: 1,779
Kudos: 1,163
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 05:41
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
At Skyline Construction, project materials represented 38% of its annual project costs of $925,000,000 in 2023. Due to new environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable building, project materials will account for 42% of total project costs in 2024, while total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%. Within project materials expenses, raw materials consistently make up 85% of costs, while recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15%.

In the table, select for Raw Materials Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to raw materials, and select for Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to recycling and waste management. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Raw Materials Cost for 2024Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024
$375,000,000
$340,000,000
$320,000,000
$70,000,000
$57,000,000


In 2024, Project Materials expenses (in $ mn ) = 925 * 0.97 * 0.42 = 376.85 (Given, that Total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%; and Project Materials will accountfor 42% of total project costs)

So, Out of the Project Materials expenses,

Raw materials = 85 % of Project Material expenses = 0.85 * 376.85 = 320.31 (approximately $ 320 mn)

Recycling and Waste Management = 15 % of Project Material expenses = 0.15 * 376.85 = 56.53 (approximately $ 57 mn)



Raw Materials Cost (for 2024) = $320,000,000
Recycling/Waste Management Cost (for 2024) = $ 57,000,000
User avatar
Nsp10
User avatar
Joined: 22 May 2023
Last visit: 05 Jun 2026
Posts: 124
Own Kudos:
91
 [1]
Given Kudos: 112
Location: India
Schools: IE Schulich
GPA: 3.0
Products:
My Reviews
Schools: IE Schulich
Posts: 124
Kudos: 91
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 06:00
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Project cost at 2023= 925 * 10M
97% of it {as reduced by 3%}=897.25 *10 M
Material cost=42% of 897.25*10M=376.845*10M
now 85% of Material Cost is Raw Material Cost= 85/100 * 376.845 * 10M=320.318 *10 M {yes this one is in option so we are going about right }
now for rest 15% either subtract the Raw Material from Material cost or
calculate 15% of 376.845 *10M=56.526 * 10 M {Near about 57} {Yes available in the option}
hence
320,000,000 and 57,000,000 is the answer
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 



At Skyline Construction, project materials represented 38% of its annual project costs of $925,000,000 in 2023. Due to new environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable building, project materials will account for 42% of total project costs in 2024, while total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%. Within project materials expenses, raw materials consistently make up 85% of costs, while recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15%.

In the table, select for Raw Materials Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to raw materials, and select for Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to recycling and waste management. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Show more
User avatar
Karanjotsingh
User avatar
Joined: 18 Feb 2024
Last visit: 03 Oct 2025
Posts: 139
Own Kudos:
96
 [1]
Given Kudos: 362
Location: India
Concentration: Finance, Entrepreneurship
Posts: 139
Kudos: 96
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 06:25
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Solution Explanation:
Let's break down the problem step by step to find the projected costs for raw materials and recycling/waste management in 2024.
1. Calculate Total Project Costs for 2024:
  • 2023 Total Project Costs: $925,000,000
  • Expected Decrease: 3%
    Decrease Amount = 0.03 × 925,000,000 = 27,750,000
    2024 Total Project Costs = 925,000,000 − 27,750,000 = 897,250,000
2. Determine Project Materials Cost for 2024:
  • Percentage of Total Costs: 42%
    Project Materials Cost = 0.42 × 897,250,000 = 376,845,000
    Approximately $376,845,000 will be spent on project materials in 2024.
3. Split Project Materials into Raw Materials and Recycling/Waste Management:
  • Raw Materials: 85% of project materials
  • Recycling/Waste Management: 15% of project materials
a. Raw Materials Cost:
Raw Materials Cost = 0.85 × 376,845,000 = 320,318,250
Approximately $320,000,000.
b. Recycling/Waste Management Cost:
Recycling/Waste Management Cost=0.15×376,845,000=56,526,750\text{Recycling/Waste Management Cost} = 0.15 \times 376,845,000 = 56,526,750
Approximately $57,000,000.
4. Selecting the Closest Options:
  • Raw Materials Cost for 2024: $320,000,000
  • Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024: $57,000,000
User avatar
Lizaza
User avatar
Joined: 16 Jan 2021
Last visit: 29 Mar 2026
Posts: 240
Own Kudos:
282
 [1]
Given Kudos: 7
GMAT 1: 710 Q47 V40
GMAT 1: 710 Q47 V40
Posts: 240
Kudos: 282
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 06:53
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This one is purely mathematical:
  • \(costs_{2024}=0.97*925\)
  • \(materials_{2024}=0.42*costs_{2024}=0.42*0.97*925=377\)

From there, raw materials are \(0.85* materials_{2024}=320\) and waste management is \(0.15* materials_{2024}=57\)
Therefore, the answers are 320m and 57m.
User avatar
SunnyPoddar
User avatar
Joined: 21 Nov 2020
Last visit: 09 Apr 2026
Posts: 29
Own Kudos:
24
 [1]
Given Kudos: 2
Posts: 29
Kudos: 24
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 07:28
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 



At Skyline Construction, project materials represented 38% of its annual project costs of $925,000,000 in 2023. Due to new environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable building, project materials will account for 42% of total project costs in 2024, while total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%. Within project materials expenses, raw materials consistently make up 85% of costs, while recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15%.

In the table, select for Raw Materials Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to raw materials, and select for Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to recycling and waste management. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Show more
2024 Total Project Costs=925,000,000×(1−0.03)=925,000,000×0.97=897,750,000/-

2024 Project Materials Costs=897,750,000×0.42=376,845,000/-

Raw Materials Cost for 2024=376,845,000×0.85=320,317,250/- Which implies approximate cost of 320,000,000/-

R/W Management Cost for 2024=376,845,000×0.15=56,526,750/- Which implies approximate cost of 56,000,000/-
User avatar
rns2812
User avatar
Joined: 10 Nov 2024
Last visit: 28 Aug 2025
Posts: 49
Own Kudos:
51
Given Kudos: 14
Posts: 49
Kudos: 51
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 07:55
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Year 2023

Project costs = $925,000,000
Project materials = 38 % of Project costs

Raw materials = 85 % of project materials
Waste management = 15 % of project materials


Year 2024
Project costs = 3% decrease from 2023 = 97% of $925,000,000 = 97 * $9,250,000
Project materials = 42 % of Project costs = 42 * 97 * $92,500

Raw materials = 85 % of project materials = 85 * 42 * 97 * $925
Waste management = 15 % of project materials = 15 * 42 * 97 * $925

Question : Raw materials for 2024 and Waste management for 2024

Approximating for raw materials = 85 * 40 * 100 * 900 = 3,400 * 90,000 = Approx 340,000,000

Approximating for waste management = 15 * 40 * 100 * 900 = Approx 57,000,000


Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 



At Skyline Construction, project materials represented 38% of its annual project costs of $925,000,000 in 2023. Due to new environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable building, project materials will account for 42% of total project costs in 2024, while total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%. Within project materials expenses, raw materials consistently make up 85% of costs, while recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15%.

In the table, select for Raw Materials Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to raw materials, and select for Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to recycling and waste management. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Show more
User avatar
anshgupta433
User avatar
Joined: 20 Sep 2024
Last visit: 13 Oct 2025
Posts: 21
Own Kudos:
16
 [1]
Given Kudos: 14
Posts: 21
Kudos: 16
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 08:04
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
New Annual Project Cost = 0.97 * 925 million = 897.25 million
Project Cost = 0.42* 897 million = 376.74 million
Raw Material = 0.85 * 376 = 319.6 million
Waste = 0.15 * 376 = 56.4 million
Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 



At Skyline Construction, project materials represented 38% of its annual project costs of $925,000,000 in 2023. Due to new environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable building, project materials will account for 42% of total project costs in 2024, while total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%. Within project materials expenses, raw materials consistently make up 85% of costs, while recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15%.

In the table, select for Raw Materials Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to raw materials, and select for Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to recycling and waste management. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Show more
User avatar
Nikhil17bhatt
User avatar
Joined: 25 Aug 2018
Last visit: 31 May 2025
Posts: 66
Own Kudos:
75
 [1]
Given Kudos: 14
Posts: 66
Kudos: 75
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 08:16
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
IMO

Raw Materials Cost for 2024: $320,000,000
Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024: $57,000,000



  1. Calculate the total project costs for 2024: The total project costs in 2024 are expected to decrease by 3% from the 2023 costs of $925,000,000.

    Total project costs for 2024=925,000,000×(1−0.03)=925,000,000×0.97=897,250,000
  2. Calculate the project materials cost for 2024: Project materials will account for 42% of the total project costs in 2024.

    Project materials cost for 2024=897,250,000×0.42=376,845,000
  3. Calculate the raw materials cost for 2024: Raw materials make up 85% of the project materials cost.

    Raw materials cost for 2024=376,845,000×0.85=320,318,250
  4. Calculate the recycling and waste management cost for 2024: Recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15% of the project materials cost.

    Recycling and waste management cost for 2024=376,845,000×0.15=56,526,750
User avatar
nikiki
User avatar
Joined: 07 May 2023
Last visit: 12 Dec 2025
Posts: 55
Own Kudos:
58
 [1]
Given Kudos: 89
Location: India
Posts: 55
Kudos: 58
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 08:18
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
2024 Total cost = 925,000,000×(1−0.03)=925,000,000×0.97
= 897,750,000

2024 Project Materials Cost = 897,750,000×0.42
= 376,845,000

2024 Raw Materials Cost = 376,845,000×0.85
= 320,316,250

2024 Recycling/Waste Management Cost = 376,845,000×0.15
= 56,526,750

Approximate values are
$320,000,000
$57,000,000

Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 



At Skyline Construction, project materials represented 38% of its annual project costs of $925,000,000 in 2023. Due to new environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable building, project materials will account for 42% of total project costs in 2024, while total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%. Within project materials expenses, raw materials consistently make up 85% of costs, while recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15%.

In the table, select for Raw Materials Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to raw materials, and select for Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to recycling and waste management. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Show more
User avatar
Mardee
User avatar
Joined: 22 Nov 2022
Last visit: 15 May 2026
Posts: 224
Own Kudos:
191
 [1]
Given Kudos: 20
Posts: 224
Kudos: 191
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 08:21
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
2023 Total Project cost = $925,000,000
2024 Total Project cost = $925,000,000*(1-0.03) = $897,250,000

2024 Project Materials cost = $897,250,000 * 0.42 = $376,845,000

Raw Material Cost = $376,845,000*0.85 = $320,318,250 rquivalent to $320,000,000
Recycling/Waste Management Cost = $376,845,000*0.15 = $56,526,750 equivalent to $57,000,000
User avatar
maddscientistt
User avatar
Joined: 09 Mar 2023
Last visit: 17 Jul 2025
Posts: 40
Own Kudos:
47
 [1]
Given Kudos: 64
Posts: 40
Kudos: 47
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 08:39
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Calculate the total project costs for 2024 by reducing the 2023 costs by 3%
897,750,000

Calculate the cost of project materials in 2024 by taking 42% of the total project costs.
$376,845,000

split the project materials cost into raw materials (85%) and recycling/waste management (15%) to find the relevant values.
Raw Materials: $376,845,000 * 0.85 = $320,318,250 (approximately $320,000,000)
Recycling/Waste Management: $376,845,000 * 0.15 = $56,526,750 (approximately $57,000,000)




Bunuel
12 Days of Christmas 2024 - 2025 Competition with $40,000 of Prizes

 


This question was provided by GMAT Club
for the 12 Days of Christmas Competition

Win $40,000 in prizes: Courses, Tests & more

 



At Skyline Construction, project materials represented 38% of its annual project costs of $925,000,000 in 2023. Due to new environmental regulations and a shift toward sustainable building, project materials will account for 42% of total project costs in 2024, while total project costs are expected to decrease by 3%. Within project materials expenses, raw materials consistently make up 85% of costs, while recycling and waste management account for the remaining 15%.

In the table, select for Raw Materials Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to raw materials, and select for Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 the approximate projected cost devoted to recycling and waste management. Make only two selections, one in each column.
Show more
User avatar
BatrickPatemann
User avatar
Joined: 29 May 2024
Last visit: 29 May 2026
Posts: 63
Own Kudos:
55
 [1]
Given Kudos: 153
Location: Spain
Schools: HEC (D) ESSEC MiF '26 (S)
GPA: 6.74
Schools: HEC (D) ESSEC MiF '26 (S)
Posts: 63
Kudos: 55
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 08:53
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
This is a % problem.

925000000*0.38 = material costs of 2023
which increases up to 42% on 2024 while the total project cost decreases 3% so

Total project cost = 0.97*925M =897M
Material costs are = 0.42*0.97*925M=376M

From these 376M, raw material costs' are 85% and recycling and waste management are 15% so

Recycling = 0.15*3.76 = approx 57M
Raw materials = 3.76*0.85= approx 320M
User avatar
mpp01
User avatar
Joined: 13 Dec 2024
Last visit: 08 Jun 2025
Posts: 48
Own Kudos:
48
 [1]
Given Kudos: 9
Location: Spain
Posts: 48
Kudos: 48
 [1]
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 27 Dec 2024, 08:59
1
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
The first step is to calculate total cost for the project on 2024 = 925,000,000 * 97% = 897,250,000

Next, from this cost materials have been increased to a 42% of the project so total cost of materials are = 897,250,000 * 42% = 376,845,000

Next move: raw materials are 85% and recycling costs are 15% which is respectively, 320M and 57M. Select these two.
User avatar
egmat
User avatar
e-GMAT Representative
Joined: 02 Nov 2011
Last visit: 07 Jun 2026
Posts: 5,670
Own Kudos:
33,506
Given Kudos: 707
GMAT Date: 08-19-2020
Expert
Expert reply
Active GMAT Club Expert! Tag them with @ followed by their username for a faster response.
Posts: 5,670
Kudos: 33,506
12 Days of Christmas GMAT Competition - Day 9: At Skyline Construction 19 Mar 2026, 20:00
Kudos
Add Kudos
Bookmarks
Bookmark this Post
Happy to walk you through this step by step! This question asks us to find two costs for 2024 — raw materials and recycling/waste management. Let's build up to both.

Step 1: Find 2024 Total Project Costs

2023 total project costs = $925,000,000. The problem says total project costs decrease by 3% in 2024.

$925,000,000 × 0.97 = $897,250,000

Step 2: Find 2024 Project Materials Cost

Project materials account for 42% of total project costs in 2024.

$897,250,000 × 0.42 = $376,845,000

Step 3: Split Project Materials into Raw Materials and Recycling/Waste Management

The problem tells us raw materials consistently make up 85% of project materials costs, and recycling/waste management accounts for the remaining 15%.

Raw Materials = $376,845,000 × 0.85 = $320,318,250 ≈ $320,000,000

Recycling/Waste Management = $376,845,000 × 0.15 = $56,526,750 ≈ $57,000,000

Step 4: Match to the Table

For the Raw Materials Cost for 2024 column, select Row 3: $320,000,000.
For the Recycling/Waste Management Cost for 2024 column, select Row 5: $57,000,000.

A common trap here is using the 2023 total ($925M) directly without applying the 3% decrease first, which would give you $375M for total materials — tempting you to pick Row 1 ($375,000,000) for raw materials. But that $375M figure is the total materials cost before splitting into the 85/15 breakdown, and it's also slightly off because it ignores the cost decrease. Key Insight: Always apply changes in the order the problem describes them: adjust total costs first, then take percentages.

Answer: Row 3 (Raw Materials — $320,000,000) and Row 5 (Recycling/Waste Management — $57,000,000)
   1   2   3 
Moderators:
Bunuel
Math Expert
111124 posts
Gmat860sanskar
343 posts